Novel 2-D Digital Imaging Detector for Thermal Neutrons

The use of thermal neutrons has been widespread over the past several decades in many investigations such as non-destructive testing (NDT), neutron radiography and macromolecular crystallography. For some applications such as crystallographic diffraction studies, neutrons are scattered over 4o in space and an ideal detector would be able to image the scattered radiation on a spherical surface. Current two-dimensional detectors for neutrons do not provide adequate areal coverage, spatial resolution, sensitivity, and geometry best suited for a given application. To address these issues, we propose to develop a large area digital imaging detector for thermal neutrons, which offers a better combination of areal coverage, spatial resolution, detection efficiency and dynamic range than is currently possible. The detector is based on a novel, large-area scintillator, tailored for imaging thermal neutrons, coupled to a digital readout. This thermal neutron imaging system will advance the state-of-the-art of detectors used in areas such as macromolecular crystallography, neutron radiography, NDT, security inspections, baggage scanning, and other homeland security applications.